Sparkflight Studios

One year later, Gabrielle Fernandez (Gabi) shares her thoughts on this incredible journey in her first architecture job at Sparkflight Studios. The highlight of this year has undoubtedly been the learning experiences she has gained. Transitioning from the academic world to a professional setting has been eye-opening.   Gabi has been working on diverse projects, with two that stand out. The Family Promise Navigation Center was an exciting project for Gabi who noted “I even had the chance to attend the groundbreaking, which was a memorable moment.” Additionally, she is currently working on the Rooted School, a charter school project, which is both challenging and rewarding. These projects have given Gabi a real-world perspective on architecture.   Gabi far left One significant aspect of her growth in this first year was understanding the intricacies of the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and the permit process. These topics weren't extensively covered in school, but Gabi...

Natalie Perez entered a new professional realm fresh from graduation in landscape architecture when she joined Sparkflight Studios a year ago. She said she was feeling a mix of intimidation and nervousness, yet an overriding eagerness to absorb knowledge about architecture overshadowed any self-doubt. As Natalie quoted, Tracee Ellis Ross's words,  "I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me,"   resonated deeply, encapsulating the feelings surrounding this new chapter.   Gratitude pervaded her experience as she found the guidance of an architect possessing extensive technical expertise and a willingness to mentor. Each passing day brought forth a new lesson, fostering confidence and enriching her knowledge. She was encouraged to know that this learning would serve as a sturdy foundation for her upcoming journey through graduate school and beyond.   In the past year Natalie has worked on diverse...

by: Melina Clark "These past ten years at Sparkflight Studios (SFS) flew by.  SFS was my first architectural job, and I could not have asked for a more fantastic mentor than Anne. I have learned so much from her, including honesty, integrity, and hard work. Architecture is not an easy career, but it is worth it when you have meaningful projects.     My favorite project to date is the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) Wardelle Street Townhouse project. I genuinely enjoy working on affordable housing. There is a significant need for affordable housing in this Valley and across the United States. Wardelle Street Townhouses provide 57 units for families or individuals in need. These units have market-rate amenities, which help the tenants feel pride and care for their homes.     Wardelle Street Townhouses was my first ground-up project, which is incredibly exciting as a designer. Having an opportunity to help shape a piece of land that benefits...

 Welcome to the Neighborhood Kids Design Workshop The Neighborhood Kids Design Workshop is a summer volunteer program led by Brazen Architecture. Their mission is to empower the young minds of Casa De Luz by providing them with a unique opportunity to unleash their creativity and redesign in their very own neighborhoods: Naked City and Sherwood Forest. Through engaging activities, the children  reflect on their surroundings, envisioning ways to enhance their community. This amazing opportunity encourages children to become active participants in shaping their environment.   As a volunteer at the final workshop, Natalie Perez, Designer at Sparkflight Studios, was there to motivate the children's flow of ideas and wishes for their neighborhood and community. Together, they transformed their aspirations into colorful expressions writing them on leaves that were hung onto the branches of the 'Wishing Tree'. At the end of the workshop, they all receiv...

The Business of Architecture: Staffing, Retention & Recruitment left to right: Mark Johnson, AIA; Anne Johnson, AIA; Greg Erny, FAIA; Angela Bigotti, AIA Last month, AIA Nevada hosted the Fellows Forum (in conjunction with SFx) to discuss an important topic today - Staffing, Retention & Recruitment. The panel included long-time AIA members Mark Johnson of H+K Architects, Anne Johnson of Sparkflight Studios, and Angela Bigotti of Van Wert Bigotti Architects, as well as AIA Fellow Greg Erny of architects + LLC.  Key takeaways from the discussion included: The challenge of recruiting and growing young talent from novice to competent practitioner. How to engage and grow with emerging professionals in the office and still maintain an efficient practice. A representative from Truckee Meadows Community College joined in the discussion, and shared how they are the first community college in the nation to offer an associate degree in architecture. See more at  https://catalog.t...

Family Promise of Las Vegas (FPLV) held the Official Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Family Navigation Center on June 15, 2023. left to right: James Maurer, Gabrielle Fernandez, Melina Soto Clark, Natalie Perez, Frank Guckin, Anne Johnson, Terry Lindemann, Sam Nicholson This important project has been a long awaited vision for FPLV and Sparkflight Studios is honored to be the architect for this facility that will be a resource for homeless families with children. FPLV is empowering homeless families to achieve sustainable independence in Clark County for more than 27 years.   Anne Johnson thanked the design team at the ceremony and was emotional as she expressed how they have been working with FPLV for more than five years. Anne said, "I love seeing the vision and some of the seeds coming to life. There are so many dedicated consultants who helped bring this design together and I want to thank them all." A big shout out to the following leadership and design team members: Fa...

  AFFORDABLE HOUSING FORUM a statistic to ponder Last week Anne Johnson, CEO/Principal of Sparkflight Studios (SFS), and Melina Clark attended the "Regional Affordable Housing Forum" hosted by Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA). This important topic is a focus for SFS work, as they hold a term contract with SNRHA and completed multiple projects in the region, including:  Wardelle Townhouses , and  Vera B. Johnson Multifamily Housing.  It was encouraging to experience a room full of stakeholders actively seeking solutions for our affordable housing shortage. Headlines included: Discussion of barriers Need for diverse resources including rehabilitation, Section 8 vouchers and new supply $942 Million available for investment in Nevada affordable housing Funding available through the Affordable Housing Credit Investment Act (AHCIA) of 2023 SHARE Westside (104 units) Funding and development tools available at local government jurisdictions The panels discu...

Join us in celebrating Earth Day with these tips:   + Plant a tree   + Walk or ride a bike   + Use less paper   + Use reusable containers for water bottles   + Bring your own shopping bag   + Reduce, reuse, and recycle     Events in the area:   - UNLV Recyclin ’ Rebels Day - https://www.unlv.edu/news/unlvtoday/unlv-recycling-event-april-22       - Spring Preserve Earth Day 2023 - https://www.springspreserve.org/events/?id=2365     - City of North Las Vegas – Tree Planting and Park Clean Up - https://www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/1063/716     - Be Knowledgeable - Take an Earth Day Quiz - https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-quizzes/   photo credit: Ginger Kelly